When you create a profile in SyncBackPro, you need to choose a profile type. This page will help you understand the differences between them and choose the right one for your situation. The profile type you choose determines the direction files are copied and whether files can be deleted. For an overview of profiles and other key concepts, see How SyncBack Works.
At a Glance
Profile Type |
Direction |
Deletes Files? |
Best For |
Risk Level |
Source > Destination |
No |
Protecting your files |
Lowest |
|
Source <> Destination |
Can do |
Keeping two locations in sync |
Moderate |
|
Source > Destination |
Yes |
Making an exact copy |
Higher |
Which Type Should I Use?
Use Backup when...
A backup copies files in one direction, from the source to the destination. It never deletes files but it can overwrite older backup files with newer ones. This is the safest profile type and is the right choice for most users.
•You want to protect your important files (documents, photos, music, etc.) by keeping a copy on another drive or location
•You only need to copy files in one direction (e.g. from your computer to an external drive)
•You want to be able to restore files if you accidentally delete or lose them
•You are unsure which type to choose (backup is the safest default)
Example: You backup your Documents folder to an external USB drive every evening. If your computer's hard drive fails, your files are safe on the external drive and you can restore them.
Use Synchronize when...
A synchronization copies files in both directions: from the source to the destination, and from the destination to the source. It keeps both locations up to date with each other.
•You work on the same files from two different locations (e.g. a laptop and a desktop) and need both to stay up to date
•You add or change files on either side and want those changes reflected on the other side
•You need to know if the same file has been changed in both locations (a collision) so you can decide which version to keep
Example: You use a laptop when traveling and a desktop at home. You edit documents on both computers. Synchronization ensures that whichever computer you sit down at, you always have the latest version of every file.
Use Mirror when...
A mirror copies files in one direction, like a backup, but it also deletes files from the destination that no longer exist in the source. The result is that the destination becomes an exact copy of the source.
•You want the destination to be an exact copy of the source, with no extra files left behind
•You intentionally delete files from the source and want those deletions reflected in the destination
•You do not want old or orphaned files accumulating in your destination
Example: You maintain a photo library and regularly delete duplicates or unwanted photos. A mirror profile ensures your external drive always matches your current library exactly, without keeping photos you have already removed.
Important Considerations
|
Mirror deletes files. The most common mistake new users make is choosing Mirror when they intended Backup. With a mirror, if you delete a file from the source, it will also be deleted from the destination the next time the profile is run. If you are unsure, use Backup instead. A backup will never delete files from the destination. |
|
Synchronize is not a backup. Because synchronization copies files in both directions, if you delete a file from one side, that deletion can be reflected on the other side. If your goal is to protect against data loss, use Backup instead. |
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Always test first. Regardless of which profile type you choose, always use a Simulated Run before running a profile with your actual files. A simulated run shows you exactly what will happen without copying, moving, or deleting anything. This is especially important for mirror and synchronize profiles. |
Restoring Files
A restore is not a profile type that you choose when creating a profile. Instead, it is an operation you can perform on an existing backup profile. A restore reverses the direction of the backup: it copies files from the destination back to the source. This is how you recover files after accidental deletion, data corruption, or hardware failure.
For more information, see Restoring a Backup.
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